TIES’ STAR Project helps young adults with intellectual disabilities build skills, explore art, and participate in recreational activities
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ
In a bid to support young adults with intellectual disabilities in Goa, the non-profit organisation TIES (Towards Inclusion Everywhere in Society) launched the STAR Project in June 2024, following a pilot run in April.
Conducted at the TIES STAR Centre at Divya Sadan, Porvorim, the Skill Training, Art, and Recreation (STAR) programme equips young adults aged 16 and above with practical skills in handicrafts, art-based products, food preparation, and gardening, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods Special educator Joycelyn Mendonca leads the sessions, with project lead Elizabeth Kurian, clinical psychologist Mariah Lobo, and parent representative Sasmita Akhtar overseeing the programme.
A number of young interns have joined the programme to gain a deeper understanding of the neurodiverse community and promote inclusivity.
This programme includes morning sessions focused on structured skill-building, while the evening DOSTI recreational sessions encourage social interaction through art, games, dance, and monthly outings. “These activities help participants gain confidence in public spaces, which can be challenging for many people with autism,” says Kurian, an architect and mother to 28-year-old Ashwin, who has autism and also serves as the secretary of TIES.
Currently, seven young adults are enrolled in the programme, creating a variety of handcrafted products, including pouches, bags, mats, coasters, tea-light holders, lamps, and plant holders.
The programme includes activities such as art on canvas, recycling crafts, jewellery making, and baking. Participants use techniques like stenciling, block printing, and spray painting to create art. They also recycle plastic bottles and newspapers to make new items like tea-light holders and plant pots. Baking and snack-making are other activities, which will eventually be scaled up for production. A recent addition is the Petalists project by Craftizen, launched in February 2025, where waste flowers are repurposed into decorative items.
Due to the moderate to severe needs of many participants, individual caregivers are involved in the programme.
“Caregivers learn alongside participants, providing parents the opportunity to rest and recharge,” says Kurian. TIES also plans to expand by introducing home-based programmes for families whose children are not attending vocational centres.
Despite its success, funding remains a challenge. “The project involves costs for staff salaries and rent, and we’ve primarily funded it ourselves as parents,” shares Kurian. “We hope for more support from the government and society to ensure sustainability.”
The products created at the centre are available for corporate gifting, events, and custom orders. “Many of our adults may not be suited for traditional workplaces, but with reasonable accommodations and a supportive environment, they can thrive,” says Kurian.
She encourages businesses to consider employing adults with intellectual disabilities in an inclusive environment, believing that action, not just awareness, is needed to create a truly inclusive society. “Every opportunity we create helps our participants shine and become productive members of society,” she says. “At TIES, we are committed to building an inclusive society where individuals of all abilities can contribute and succeed.”
